200+ Free California CNA Practice Questions
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Key Facts: California CNA Exam
$140
Exam Fee (3/1/2026)
D&S Headmaster / CDPH ($40 knowledge + $100 skills)
75 questions
Knowledge Exam Length
D&S Headmaster Candidate Handbook
75%
Written Passing Score
57/75 correct required
150 hrs
Min. Training Required
CDPH / Title 22 (vs. federal 75 hrs)
2 years
Renewal Cycle
CDPH Nurse Aide Registry
48 hrs
CE Hours for Renewal
CDPH requirement
California is the only state that requires 150 CNA training hours (vs. the federal 75-hour minimum). The exam is administered by D&S Diversified/Headmaster (NOT Prometric), costs $140 total ($40 knowledge + $100 skills, effective 3/1/2026), and requires a 75% passing score on the knowledge exam. California CNA salaries average $40,000–$55,000/year, and the state's minimum wage for healthcare workers increases to $23/hr in June 2026 under SB 525. Renew every 2 years with 48 CE hours.
About the California CNA Exam
The California CNA exam certifies nursing assistants to provide patient care in California. Administered by D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster under California Department of Public Health (CDPH) authorization, it includes a 75-question knowledge exam and a skills demonstration test. California requires 150 training hours — double the federal minimum.
Questions
75 scored questions
Time Limit
60 minutes written + 30 min skills test
Passing Score
75% written (57/75) + Skills Test
Exam Fee
$140 ($40 knowledge + $100 skills, effective 3/1/2026) (D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster (CDPH-authorized))
California CNA Exam Content Outline
Basic Nursing Skills
Vital signs, positioning, transfers, nutrition, mobility, catheter care, data collection
Safety & Emergency
Fall prevention, fire safety (RACE/PASS), elopement prevention, body mechanics, emergency response
Resident Rights
California Title 22 resident rights, privacy, advance directives, POLST, financial rights
Role & Responsibility
Scope of practice under CDPH, delegation, CDPH registry, mandated reporting (EADACPA)
Infection Control
Hand hygiene, PPE, standard precautions, isolation, Cal/OSHA requirements
Mental Health
Dementia care, sundowning, depression, therapeutic communication, validation therapy
Care of Cognitively Impaired
Alzheimer's care, redirection, safety in memory care units, behavioral interventions
Communication
SBAR, therapeutic communication, language access (Dymally-Alatorre Act), documentation
Personal Care
ADL assistance, bathing, oral care, nail care (diabetic restrictions), dressing
Data Collection & Reporting
Objective/subjective data, I&O measurement, incident reporting per CA Health & Safety Code
Disease Process
Common conditions: CHF, COPD, diabetes, stroke, pressure injuries, DVT recognition
Aging Process & Restorative Care
Normal aging changes, contracture prevention, restorative nursing, ambulation assistance
How to Pass the California CNA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 75% written (57/75) + Skills Test
- Exam length: 75 questions
- Time limit: 60 minutes written + 30 min skills test
- Exam fee: $140 ($40 knowledge + $100 skills, effective 3/1/2026)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
California CNA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the California CNA exam?
California CNA exams are administered by D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster (NOT Prometric), which is authorized by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). As of March 1, 2026, fees are: Knowledge Exam $40, Audio Version $45, Skills Test $100. Register through the TestMaster Universe (TMU©) system at hdmaster.com.
How many questions are on the California CNA exam?
The California CNA Knowledge Exam has 75 multiple-choice questions and a 60-minute time limit. You must score 75% or higher (57/75 correct) to pass — higher than most states' 70% minimum. The Skills Test requires demonstrating 5 randomly selected skills within 30 minutes.
How many training hours are required for California CNA certification?
California requires 150 hours of approved CNA training — more than double the federal 75-hour minimum. The 150 hours include 50 classroom hours, 100 supervised clinical hours, and 30 skills lab hours, as mandated by CDPH under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Training programs are approved by CDPH.
How do I renew my California CNA certification?
California CNA certifications are renewed every 2 years. To renew, you must complete 48 hours of continuing education (CE) and provide proof of at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related employment during the 24-month renewal period. If you haven't worked the required 8 hours, you must retake the competency exam. Renewal is processed through the CDPH Nurse Aide Registry.
What are the California-specific rules CNAs must know?
Key California-specific rules include: 1) CDPH (not Prometric) oversees certification; 2) 150 training hours required; 3) 75% passing score on knowledge exam; 4) CNAs are mandated reporters under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) — failure to report is a misdemeanor; 5) Title 22 governs SNF resident rights; 6) POLST forms are valid physician orders CNAs must honor; 7) California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for resident rights.
What is the California CNA salary?
California CNA salaries average $40,000–$55,000/year, among the highest in the US. California's SB 525 (Durazo Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage Act) set a healthcare-specific minimum wage: $21/hr (June 2024), $23/hr (June 2026), and $25/hr (June 2028) for CNAs in large healthcare facilities. California has the largest CNA workforce in the nation with over 100,000 active CNAs.